1. The cask of amontillado
By Edgar Allan Poe
Background Notes

2. Edgar Allan Poe ( )
Born on January 19th in Boston, Massachusetts, he was an American poet and short story writer most known for his works of horror and mystery.
Known as the “Father of the Detective Story.”

3. Early Life Son of two actors
Father abandoned the family in and Edgar’s mother passed away the year after.
Edgar was then adopted by John and Frances Allan and moved to Richmond, Virginia.

4. Setbacks and struggles
Poe had a tumultuous relationship with his adoptive father, and then often fought over Poe’s gambling, debt, and early drinking.
He adored his adoptive mother Frances, and her death in 1829 was a tragic blow to Poe’s stability.
Before Frances died, Poe attended the University of Virginia but had to drop out because of the lack of funds.

5. Writing Career
After dropping out, Poe went into the Army under a pseudonym in 1827.
In the Army he began publishing poetry anonymously with Tamerlane and Other Poems in 1827.
He failed as an officer at West Point and decided to focus primarily on writing.
He began travelling and working in newspapers and periodicals in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia and became known for his particular brand of scathing criticism.

6. Success and decline
In Richmond in 1836, he married his 13-year-old cousin Virginia Clemm.
Poe had sporadic bursts of success, but in 1845 he published “The Raven” and it was an instant success.
Poe began being paid to recite the poem in different theatres and it was reprinted in many periodicals.
Virginia died of tuberculosis in and her death was traumatic to Poe; his mental health declined.

7. Mysterious death
Poe had a problem with drinking and rumored drugs throughout his life; after Virginia’s death, his habits worsened.
Poe died October 7, 1849 at age 40; his death has remained a source of mystery—there are conspiracy theories as well as theories he simply overdosed on a park bench after taking the wrong train.

8. “The Cask of Amontillado” and The Venetian Carnival
The Venetian Carnival is the most internationally known festival celebrated in Venice, Italy, as well as being one of the oldest.
This congregation of masked people began in the 15th century, but the tradition can be traced back to 1092!

9. The Venetian Carnival
The Italian word carnevale comes from the Latin carne + vale, which means “farewell to meat.” Traditionally, Lent marked a season of sorrowful reflection, fasting, and abstinence from meat, eggs, dairy products, and fruit.
The Carnival starts around two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday, which is when Lent begins.

10. Carnival Masks
Masquerading was a shared practice among Venetians, regardless of whether they were wealthy or destitute (poor).
The crowded Venice city didn’t allow for much solitude or privacy; thus, the “mask” became an outlet for many to depart from the mainstream life they were leading.
Masks also made everyone feel equal, regardless of social status.
By wearing a mask, you could act like a stranger and reveal your real personality, which you might normally keep to yourself to avoid being judged.

11. Variations of venetian masks